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MOTOBRICK RIDING => Photographic Ride Reports => Topic started by: TimTyler on September 16, 2015, 07:08:52 PM

Title: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on September 16, 2015, 07:08:52 PM
Gonna head east to RI next week on the K75. A stop in Johnnyville, Cheezeconsin is in order. Hopefully arrive before the weekend. The weather forecast looks perfect.

Here's a plotted route to Cheezeconsin. (https://goo.gl/maps/T2c87)

Here's a plotted route from Cheezeconsin to RI. (https://goo.gl/maps/pmu7aUeNJHm)

Here's a real-time tracking map (https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=edd855fe4739ab746). (Active starting Monday)

I've done US2 and US12 to the Great Lakes before, so I'm thinking something a little further south this time. Very open to alternate route suggestions.

If anybody wants to meetup along the way, lemme know.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: Scott_ on September 16, 2015, 07:37:06 PM
As you venture thru Clear Lake and around Mason City, you are about 120 miles north of me.
We will be home(as I'm on call for work I can't venture more than 45min away) thru the 25th, then we head east to Baltimore for 5 days.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on September 16, 2015, 07:52:02 PM
So you're near Des Moines, Scott?
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: Scott_ on September 16, 2015, 08:17:58 PM
Northeast of DesMoines about 45 miles on 330
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: billday on September 16, 2015, 09:32:03 PM
If you want to make a stop in ZIP code 10977, give me a buzz.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: orforester on September 16, 2015, 09:57:47 PM
I thought you were headed to Enterprise valley next week?  No takers? 

Bob
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on September 17, 2015, 12:10:58 AM
We'll see how progress is when I'm near, Scott. Would be great to see you in-person again!

Could be, Bill. Gonna visit an old friend (and former K-owner) in Accord, NY.

Yes, Bob. Nobody wants to E OR next week, so eff it, I'll just bust out.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: herseyb on September 17, 2015, 11:49:02 AM
Dang, I'm in Madison not too far from Johnny.

I probably owe both of you a homebrew for all the great help I've gotten out of this forum!
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: Snowman on September 19, 2015, 06:14:32 PM
If you have time, I at least owe you beer & pie for the help this site has given me. Let me know when you're coming across SD, I'm in Sioux Falls and can drop down to intercept anywhere in the area. Safe travels.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on September 20, 2015, 01:46:41 AM
Cool, Snowman.

I just added a link in the first post to my Spot tracking map which will start working after I hit the road.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on September 21, 2015, 08:38:49 PM
Good riding, so far.

Time to start looking for a place to bunk down.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: herseyb on September 22, 2015, 08:18:22 AM
Dang, great ride yesterday and a really beautiful one coming up across Idaho. 

I'd love to know more about the map tracking system you're using...
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: Snowman on September 22, 2015, 05:18:33 PM
Starting tomorrow, through Thursday & Friday, Heavy rain 2-3 inches in SE South Dakota, I29 Corridor.  :musicboohoo:
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: Tuco on September 22, 2015, 08:59:59 PM
Go Tim go !
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on September 22, 2015, 10:26:43 PM
Thanks, JO.

Thanks for the heads up,  Mike. I'll have a look tomorrow and route accordingly.

Got caught up in a mad rush for hotel rooms in Gardner, MT tonight. $240 was the going rate. By chance the RV park in town had a camper cabin for $60 which is better than perfect in my book.

Currently waiting with my IPA for a pizza.

US 12 through Idaho was a chilly blast.

Met a rider in Hamilton MT at lunch who recommended a pass heading east just south of town.  Half unpaved, was a great break from norm.

Will upload non-phone  pics once I dump them into the computer.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on September 23, 2015, 11:40:07 PM
 :riding:

Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: Scott_ on September 24, 2015, 07:45:27 AM
That little cabin looks similar to one I stayed in when I went out west a few years ago.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: billday on September 24, 2015, 09:47:01 AM
Great pics Tim, thanks.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: Tuco on September 24, 2015, 02:21:01 PM
I'm envious, have fun and thanks for letting us enjoy vicariously.
Al
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: F14CRAZY on September 24, 2015, 09:19:00 PM
That's the kind of area where there shouldn't be speed limits. When you can see all the way to the horizon, what's there to hit?
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on September 24, 2015, 11:41:41 PM
Easy riding out here but the short days impose limits.

Ran into a couple of hours of rain on Thursday. Cleaned off all the squished bugs.

I suspect my ETA will be Saturday lunch time but we'll see...
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: johnny on September 25, 2015, 07:28:56 AM
rodger that...

tim tiorler is rolling eastbound tucked and twisted... nearly to the land of corn and pig... thats right... iower...

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/20150925_090345_zpsanpypjkm.png)

wanna ride along in real time...  click here... (https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=c1f454bcb17938098)

yeeehaaaa... aging hippsters gotts to sleep too...

j o


Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: herseyb on September 25, 2015, 10:27:25 AM
Looking happy as a clam, Tim!  I'm tempted to try and find ya on the road when you get to wisco, great trip!
Title: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ pt2
Post by: TimTyler on September 25, 2015, 10:21:39 PM

Here's some more pics.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ pt2
Post by: Snowman on September 25, 2015, 10:47:42 PM
Missed ya Tim! Couldn't open the site today to see the tracker. Take a rain check on the frothy beverage. Heading out myself tomorrow to bag a SS1000 out to the Black Hills and the Badlands.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: herseyb on September 26, 2015, 09:43:51 AM
Yay its back!   I'm torn between going to the garage to finish adding my spotlights, or blitzing out to prairie du chien and finding this madman on the road! 

What a thrilling ride along!
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: johnny on September 26, 2015, 09:45:29 AM
ok motobrickers... tims back... was abducted by corn aliens... butts spitt him out when they figger out he was genetically modified...

here is the link to tims satellite tracker... (https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=edd855fe4739ab746)

the corn begins...

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/20150925_090345_zpsanpypjkm.png)

1 motobrick 2 pirate ship parking...

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/motobrick2pirateships_zpshud9suuy.jpg)

j o
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: Tuco on September 26, 2015, 11:48:32 AM
 j o you are completely deranged and I like it. How does one do this whole spot tracker thingy deal?
Al
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on September 26, 2015, 10:58:49 PM
Delicious brats with Johnny, Micki and Jumpin Jimmy B.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: johnny on September 27, 2015, 08:40:12 AM
can i getts a yeeeeehaaaa...

tim tiorler...

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2015/020_zpsvomamwoj.jpg)

jumpin jimmy b and the mickster...

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2015/018_zpsomqbm87l.jpg)

jumpin jimmy b eleven hundert motobrick...

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2015/017_zpsxcpphtcc.jpg)

the burd and the brick of the corn...

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2015/016_zpsumu5ckmy.jpg)

the tims motobrick...

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2015/015_zpsaebvgm1z.jpg)

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2015/014_zpsnszonx9k.jpg)

j o


Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: kryder on September 27, 2015, 10:24:16 AM
I always enjoy following the sojourning of others via moto bikes almost as much as doing my own cycling travels. Nice photos; interesting details. Keep posting!
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on September 29, 2015, 06:48:24 PM
Rained like a MF for 150 miles into Rochester today. (Shinko 712's felt great)

Will catch an old silent flick at the George Eastman House tonight then off to Ithaca for a couple of days.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: Jumpin Jimmy B on September 29, 2015, 08:03:15 PM
 Good to hear about the tires AND that you are safe.

 Was very nice seeing you again Tim. JO & Micki too!

 Safe travels.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: kris on September 29, 2015, 08:46:40 PM
Ok, so the envy meter is going a little wild! Nicely done, Tim. I hope that Beemer is treating you well. You've got a nice "Rambo expeditionary force" look going! Pretty cool. Enjoy and ride safe!
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on October 04, 2015, 09:10:42 AM
Currently hanging in Accord, NY.

Headed to RI in the AM.

Probably not going to get a chance to stop by, Bill Day. Maybe on the way home...
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: billday on October 04, 2015, 12:32:04 PM
Hey Tim,

Those pics from 9/29 look like what I saw in Maine back in August. Not fun while you're in it but it feels great afterwards.

Glad you rode out the rain, looks like brilliant fall weather coming. Enjoy the Catskills, and keep the great pictures coming!

Bill
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on October 12, 2015, 06:55:33 AM
Gave the K an oil change a few days ago. Spent more time visiting family in RI than riding but I did get to weave through some foliaged MA country roads.

Heading home from Cranston, RI momentarily. Gonna slab it all the way.  :riding: Anxious to get back and see the fam in Oly.

Hey, BillDay I'll be crossing the TappanZee later this morning. Ping me if we can meet up for quick lunch near the slab.

Same goes for anybody else near the I-80, I-90 and I-94 slab!
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: Snowman on October 12, 2015, 06:03:15 PM
Weather looks good the whole way, enjoy the ride. I'll watch the tracker and try to be around in Sioux Falls.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on October 13, 2015, 01:36:51 PM
Made it from RI to the Super-8 Motel NW of Chicago yesterday.  Late night is the only time I'd consider riding through Chicago unless I was sightseeing.

Got some bad gas at the end of the Indiana turnpike last night. Didn't notice much of a problem until I got to the motel and the bike was puttering around the parking lot. I was hoping it wasn't a failing HES or an electrical problem.  A full can of Seafoam cleared the symptoms after about 30 miles.

This morning's ride was very windy and got progressively colder. The sun finally broke through the clouds a half hour ago. It's still pretty effing cold though.

Grabbing lunch now at the Culver's in Mapleview. Should make Sioux Falls about 4pm. I'll check for messages before I pass through. I'd like to make it at least to Rapid City today.

Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: Snowman on October 13, 2015, 10:51:27 PM
Holy Moly, you're flying! Didn't get back into Sioux Falls till 9pm tonight because of biz. I didn't think you would be through here till tomorrow. Anyways, safe travels.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on October 14, 2015, 12:29:08 AM
Yup. Next time, Mike.

Made it to Rapid City. I don't think my "bad gas" problem was bad gas. It started after I began using the heated gear so I think I might be sucking too much battery juice. Bike doesn't stutter above 3krpm when the alternator is feeding the system, but sometimes the bike stutters at low rpm's. It feels like it's low on fuel, but maybe it's low on spark.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: Tuco on October 14, 2015, 12:39:20 AM
Great ride report Tim, I'm enjoying it vicariously.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on October 14, 2015, 01:53:41 AM
How does one do this whole spot tracker thingy deal?

I have a Spot Tracker generation 2.

I removed the 3x1.5v batteries and wired it to a 5v USB adapter. No problems with power in 3 years.

Ya pay a yearly subscription to the Spot folks and whenever I activate the "Track" button it uploads my GPS coordinates to Spot server every ten minutes. It's magic.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: billday on October 14, 2015, 08:16:12 PM
Hey Tim,

Stay warm, man!

Bill
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on October 15, 2015, 09:34:08 AM
It was warm through Montana yesterday, at least until the sun went down. Stopped for the day in Drummond, a whistle stop with two cheap clean motels, a man's bar,  new gas station and a greasy spoon. I've stayed in Drummond before. It has a good vibe and loud trains at night.

I disconnected my LED running lights yesterday so the battery could recharge faster. Didn't need to use heated gear until the last few hours of riding. The bike didn't sputter at all.

Had egg sandwich breakfast in Sturgis and a fairly good Americano at the Sturgis Coffee Co that improved with cream. Hardly any bikes out yesterday, even in Sturgis.

Found a nice old highway that bordered 90 into Billings. High spoed limit, a few real twisties, and zero traffic. That was a nice break. Counting down the MT Mike markers on I-90 is daunting.

I should be home by dinner time.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: Tuco on October 15, 2015, 02:42:11 PM
I like the pic with the bike in the center of town.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on December 08, 2015, 02:36:38 PM
I like the pic with the bike in the center of town.

This is what that view on Main St looks like during the rally.

Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TrueAce on December 10, 2015, 11:59:21 PM
TimTyler...........just want to say thanks for the effort you put into posting your pictures on that cross-country trip. I have scrolled through a dozen times since you completed it, and just enjoyed the fantasy of that trip. Couldn't imagine the sheer dread of the return trip.......that's what keeps me from running out West Coast way, seems like the ride back to North Florida would be tiresome and boring, especially coming across on I-10. I don't know at this point if I could make a run as far as you did. But I sure enjoyed the vicarious pleasure of looking at you do it. My kamikaze 18 hour runs are behind me, and I accept that. Guess if I took a month and did 300 mile days I could make to San Francisco and back. Sure enjoyed your trip.....thank you for sharing.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: Tuco on December 11, 2015, 06:16:54 AM
The part of I-10 I like is hauling across west Texas @ 80mph, legally !
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: F14CRAZY on December 11, 2015, 09:20:22 AM
I like the pic with the bike in the center of town.

This is what that view on Main St looks like during the rally.

That looks like the kind of event I wouldn't want to go to
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: Laitch on December 11, 2015, 11:54:27 AM
Well done, Tim! Thanks.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: bugsinmyteeth on January 31, 2016, 01:55:30 PM
Hi Tim, I'm new to motobrick and was looking though the site and saw photos of your trip...I have a bunch of questions about your bike and accessories. I have two K100RT's, one an 85 the other an 87. I would love to put aluminum tragkorbs and a luggage rack on my bike but I haven't found any one who makes them for this vintage bike...it looks as though you have them...older or custom or what? Thanks Mark
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on January 31, 2016, 02:07:18 PM
Hey, Mark.

You need the hard-to-find Hepco-Becker model # 650603 00 01. Or you could have a welder make a custom frame. I don't think there are other options.

The Hepco-Becker frames/racks are fairly well made but they have brazed joints (not welded) and the tubing is not as durable as today's frames from Touratech, etc. If I had to do it again I'd probably have a custom frame welded from stronger materials. Maybe start with a tragkorb frame that fits another bike and have it modified to fit your K? I've modified the HB rack with a heavy-duty 1/4" steel crossbeam in the back and I had triangle-shaped steel welded to reinforce the lower tube that connects to the footpeg brackets.

Here's how I started: http://www.motobrick.com/index.php?topic=3775.0
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: johnny on January 31, 2016, 04:21:30 PM
ammo cans (http://browningmgs.com/AmmoCans/T-Chial/AmmoBoxes02_postWW2.htm) are less hipster and more interesting...
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: TimTyler on January 31, 2016, 04:44:34 PM
...ammo cans are less hipster and more interesting...

... and really heavy compared to aluminium.
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: bugsinmyteeth on January 31, 2016, 05:04:37 PM
Thanks Tim and Johnny, Very informative...I've investigated the H&B's and found that the internet was full of negative comments regarding fit...I have considered and am leaning towards a basic frame from tourtech and manufacturing my own mounting system for my bike...more fabrication...less riding!!!!
Title: Re: Olympia, WA to Motobrick.com HQ
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on January 31, 2016, 07:46:19 PM
Don't know how fancy you want to go, but here are a few ideas.  Way back in the 70's before the adventure bike thing a friend of mine outfitted a Yamaha XT500 to ride the Alaska Pipeline (which was still under construction) to Prudhoe Bay.  Having been cleaned out in a messy divorce he had to go pretty low rent.  Here's how he got the job done

Scrap chrome moly tube from his stock car days for a frame and a couple of green 5 gallon plastic jerry cans made a set of tragkorbs.  He cut the tops off and with a bit of trimming was able to put them over the body of the can.  A nylon strap held the can in the frame and the top on the can.  They were surprisingly waterproof, and lasted through 100,000 miles and every state but Hawaii, most of the Canadian provinces, and a trip to South America.  Two metal milk crates were mounted side by side on a home brew luggage rack and along with other stuff carried additional gas in metal cans.  The crash frame around the headlight had tie down points to carry his rolled up rain suit and other stuff.  The bike was pretty ugly(he joked that he could park anywhere he wanted and leave the key in it), but in two years of non-stop travel it never let him down.  Everything he needed to live for two years on the road fit on that bike.

Around 1979, at something like 105,000 miles, a Yamaha rep offered him any bike he wanted from their product line in exchange so they could strip his down and analyze the wear.